Police: Sex offender tried to lure teen into car

NEW LONDON — A convicted sex offender on probation was behind bars Thursday night after New London police say he tried to lure a 15-year-old girl into his car.

Police said Abbot Dinoto, 59, of 44 Orchard St., Apt. 1, New London, stopped his car in the area of Bank Street and Braemer Place at about 2:45 p.m. Thursday to let the girl cross the street and then pulled up alongside the girl and started sounding the car's horn.

The girl told police Dinoto allegedly opened his car window and asked if she wanted a ride home, and motioned for her to get into the vehicle. The girl yelled at him to leave her alone and that he then drove away quickly, police said.

The girl went home and told her father, who then called police. She was not injured during the incident, police said.

Police obtained a description of the man from the girl, as well as the license plate of the car he was driving, police said. The same man allegedly had offered the girl a ride several weeks before this incident, police said.

Police found Dinoto and charged him with criminal attempt at risk of injury to a minor and breach of peace. He is being held on $100,000 cash/surety bond pending an appearance in New London Superior Court. Further charges may be forthcoming, police said.